Mamata open to working with Jaya, Maya but not with Modi

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday indicated that she was open to working with AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa or BSP leader Mayawati in the post poll scenario, but dismissed any possibility of supporting a Narendra Modi-led government.

"I have no problem. I don't bother the chair, I care for the people," Banerjee told Times Now news channel when asked whether she would give support to Jayalalithaa if she wanted to be the prime minister.

Asked whether she, Jayalalithaa and Mayawati, together might have the numbers but could not work together given their strong personalities and temperaments, she said "you will appreciate that under Vajpayee's leadership we worked together. So who says we cannot work together? We may work together. Strong personalities can work strongly for the country."

When reminded that everybody wanted to be the prime minister, she said "If they want to be the prime minister I will give them support, no problem."

When told that people think that there would be squabble among the three strong leaders, Banerjee said "there will be nothing. From my side I can assure there will be no scuffle."

Asked whether she would be happy remaining chief minister of West Bengal and supporting a government from outside, she said, "I am working here. For 34 years there were so many problems. No development took place. I am happy with my position. I can tell you that I can give support to all if they are willing to form the government for the betterment of the country. I have no problem."

Asked that in any combination where TMC would a part, that would require support from either the BJP or Congress to form the government, whose support she would prefer, the fiery TMC leader said "Please wait and see. After the election results it will be decided."